Trump to hit Europe with 10% tariffs until Greenland deal is agreed

Donald Trump said he will hit European countries with fresh tariffs of 10% from next month until they agree to support his ambition to acquire Greenland. 

The US president said the new levies would apply to France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland, and would rise to 25% in June. 

“We have subsidised Denmark, and all of the Countries of the European Union, and others, for many years by not charging them Tariffs, or any other forms of remuneration,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post on Saturday.

“Now, after Centuries, it is time for Denmark to give back – World Peace is at stake!”

The fresh tariffs threaten a sharp escalation of global tensions at a time of geopolitical instability, and come despite a recent string of trade deals struck between Washington and foreign capitals. 

Trump has strengthened his rhetoric about wanting the Danish territory in recent weeks and has not ruled out using military force to take it, rattling European allies.

On Saturday morning, Trump said the fresh tariff would be payable “until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland”.

“Many Presidents have tried, and for good reason, but Denmark has always refused,” Trump wrote. “Now, because of The Golden Dome, and Modern Day Weapons Systems, both Offensive and Defensive, the need to ACQUIRE is especially important.”

European Nato members, including Denmark, this week agreed to send troops to reinforce Greenland’s security. 

France’s finance minister Roland Lescure said on Friday that he had warned his US counterpart Scott Bessent that any move to seize Greenland would amount to a “crossed line”, endangering Europe’s economic relationship with Washington.

It is the latest example of the US president unleashing punitive trade measures to bludgeon foreign governments into aligning with US foreign policy goals.

Last year the US placed duties on Mexico, Canada and China over their role in fentanyl manufacturing, hit Brazil with extra levies over its treatment of former president Jair Bolsonaro and applied 25 per cent extra fees to countries purchasing Russian oil.

Earlier this week he threatened to impose a tariff of 25% on all countries trading with Iran, in a move that could affect China and India. His administration has not taken steps to apply the levies.